A bound, rugged Raulie Wayne Casteel appeared in front of Judge Brian MacKenzie this morning during a preliminary exam conference in a Novi District Court, where the judge ordered tests on the suspect’s competency and criminal responsibility.

It was the first time the 43-year-old Wixom man was physically present in a courtroom.

In a minor procedural matter, the 14-day rule was waived, as the roadway shooter case is expected to run longer.

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Casteel is suspected of carrying out 24 separate shootings in Oakland, Livingston, Ingham and Shiawassee counties — a spree that left residents scared and businesses in affected areashurting as customers stayed away.

One man, Kalamazoo resident Scott Arnold, was shot in the hip through his car while he was driving to a World Series game.

When Casteel was arrested Nov. 5, Oakland County Sheriff commented that citizens could finally breathe a long sigh of relief.

In the shortest hearing to date in this case, MacKenzie ordered competency and criminal responsibility tests on Casteel, who attended Michigan State University.The judge said that the court had an opportunity to discuss the case with the prosecutor and the defense.

“Based on that conversation — over the defense’s objection — I’m going to order a review at the forensic center for competency and criminal responsibility,” said MacKenzie.

These tests are meant to deduce whether a suspect is mentally responsible for his crimes or actions.No preliminary exam date was set.

Casteel’s defense, Charles M. Groh and Douglas Mullkoff, said they would wait for reports and for the exam date.

McKenzie ordered that the married father’s bond be continued.

The short hearing concluded with the judge asking the attorneys if there was anything else that needed to be addressed.Casteel’s attorneys said there was not.

Representing the state for the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office was Brett Chudler, who said there was nothing more, “other than the fact that (he) provided counsel with a large quantity of discovery.”

“I know, we’ve confirmed several inches,” said MacKenzie, most-likely referring to the width of the files the prosecutor handed in.

Before guards led Casteel out of the courtroom, MacKenzie remarked: “I would appreciate if you get him back to Livingston County as quickly as possible.”

Casteel has been held at the Livingston County Jail since last week.

He was given 60 charges — including assault with intent to commit murder — during his arraignment Friday at Novi’s 52-1 District Court.

Another six charges from one shooting are against him in Livingston County.

He is scheduled for another preliminary exam conference today at 2 p.m. in Howell’s District Court in front of Judge Carol Sue Reader.